Insidus

Monday, April 5, 2021

Update: SABC And eMedia Investments Expanded Agreement

Back in March, SABC and eMedia Investments held a media launch to announce a new agreement which would see Openview customers get access to SABC Sport alongside two other channels as well as SABC's 19 radio stations.

Through a media enquiry they were able to shed some light on the following:

- SABC's 19 radio stations will launch from April 15th and join Openview's other existing radio stations.
- SABC Sport will launch 2 days after the radio stations which is April 17th on channel 124. This could add some variety in the sports section and make up for the loss of sports channels Openview had over the years.
- SABC 1-3 and Sport will reportedly be available in high definition. It is currently like that through DTT, DStv and TelkomOne.
- Viewers will be able to record their favourite shows.
- Two other channels will rollout on the platform in the coming months carrying "extensive" and "archived content".
- This deal is non-exclusive as predicted earlier since both MultiChoice and TelkomOne already carry their radio stations with Sport also being available on TelkomOne.

Last year, SABC launched an educational channel and were in talks with pay-tv platforms to make room for the channel. Perhaps this deal has something to do with its failure to launch within that year.

Maybe SABC planned to rollout these brands in phases I mean the idea doesn't seem far fetched. Last year, the only rollouts happened through streaming platforms with the likes of YouTube, social media even TelkomOne to help leverage their offering.

I mean SABC knew in 2018 that SABC Encore was getting discontinued last year and it's possible that the deal with SABC Education went a similar route and subscribers are waiting on a far-off date perhaps around the time Openview manages to rollout one of the other two channels in the coming months.

Could it also be possible that info regarding SABC Education was removed through Starsat's website and DStv's test channel section because SABC was renegotiating with them possibly to include other properties from their stable.

May 2021 On CBS Justice Africa | New Series Alert!: MIAC | New Season

MURDER IN AMISH COUNTRY
Season 1
Sundays at 19:00.
From 9th May until 13th June.

Murders of any kind are thankfully rare events within the peaceful and reserved Amish and Anabaptist communities that are scattered across the United States. When they do occasionally occur, investigating detectives soon ﬁnd out that solving them is unlike working any other kind of case. As one cop put it: “It was easier getting information from the Mob than from the Amish.”
Dramatic, original and revealing, “Murder In Amish Country” tells the true stories of homicide investigations in this unfamiliar world, where witnesses are notoriously distrustful of outsiders
- even the police - and where justice is often dealt with internally.
Combining unparalleled access to those in or close to the Amish community, captivating interviews with the friends and family of the victims as well as with law enforcement oﬃcers and visually arresting re-enactments, the series takes viewers into a hidden world as detectives strive to break through the walls of silence and distrust by uncovering secrets, concealed deep rooted relationships and the rivalries and passions that lie beneath the surface in each community.

FORENSICS
Season 2
Sundays at 20:00. From 9th May until 6th June.

If you are a fan of real crime ‘whodunits’ and CSI’s forensic science, then this show will have you clinging to the edge of your seat. But be warned – sometimes the truth can be stranger than ﬁction. In this series, forensic scientists and police are the ‘heroes’, science is the ‘secret weapon’, and our presenter the ‘guide’, as we unravel the evidence, put science to work, and discover the truth behind real crime case ﬁles.
Each programme focuses on a real single crime case that has occurred in the last decade and that was solved by the combination of clever crime investigation and forensic science. The cases are pulled straight from the ﬁles of our New Zealand forensic experts, police and scene-of-crime oﬃcers. This is in-depth, fact- based, high-tech dramatic storytelling.
The cases cover all facets of forensic science including blood spatter, DNA, tool marking, digital forensics, toxicology, entomology, and the latest in cutting-edge scientiﬁc technology.

CBS Justice is available on DStv

Cartoon Network Is Doing Live-Action Again To Appeal Viewers And Further Boost The Content For Streaming

In February, Warnermedia unveiled a vast slate of kids’ programming bound for Cartoon Network and HBO Max. The slate spoke of a growing commitment to preschoolers and families — a new preschool programming block called Cartoonito will launch this fall.

The linchpin of this drive to appeal to more children is Tom Ascheim, Warner Bros.’s president, global kids, young adults, and classics. Installed in the role last summer, Ascheim heads up Cartoon Network. He also has oversight of Adult Swim, Boomerang, the Turner Classic Movies channel, and the studios of Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, and his unit is responsible for kids’ and family programming at HBO Max.

After Warnermedia announced its slate, Ascheim elaborated on his unit’s strategy in an appearance at Kidscreen Summit’s virtual edition. Here are six takeaways from the session:

Cartoon Network is getting back into live action, with the blessing of audiences. The network has made live-action shows in the past (never with huge success), but Ascheim said it is committing to the medium under his leadership.

For some of his colleagues, he added, producing anything other than cartoons “felt like a bump.” But when they ran the idea of live-action shows on Cartoon Network by viewers, they embraced the idea “without a blink.”

Live action is partly a way to reach more girls. Ascheim’s data shows that girls “age out of animation earlier than boys” before returning to it as young adults. Live-action shows like the recently announced Family Mash-Up (from Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes) were greenlit with that in mind. Animation that “does a stronger job of showing girls” is also on the cards.

American programming may get more multilingual. In North America, “we speak more English than we should,” says Ascheim. In pre-school content, his unit will work on “emphasizing more languages, even interstitially…You learn language so easily when you’re little.” He’s keen to use Cartoonito to represent a wider diversity of languages and cultures, even as English will remain the programming block’s primary language.

Cartoon Network is still creator-driven. Ascheim insisted that it’s “always” important to have this approach. “Our studios in particular are a great on-ramp for new creators,” he said, “because we surround them with more experienced talent.” The network considered adopting the tagline “Hello Weirdos.” The intent behind it was “to emphasize this idea that we all feel weird inside,” says Ascheim.

Instead, they opted for “Redraw Your World.” Ascheim added that the network has a ‘“Hello Weirdos’ Culture Committee,” which works to make its programming and employment practices more inclusive.

“We’re all struggling,” Ascheim said of finding ways to keep working in the pandemic. After noting that his unit has hit all its targets in that time, he spoke of a “collective sense of exhaustion” after “sprint[ing]” from spring to winter. Ascheim said he and his colleagues are now looking to “build for a more sustained way to do this in home, and maybe eventually in home and in office, and maybe one day only in office again.”

Meanwhile, HBO Max is picking up steam after a slower launch than that of its rival Disney+. Parent company AT&T has forecast 120–150 million global subscribers by 2025 — a rise from the target of 75–90 million it set out in October 2019.

In January, AT&T disclosed that HBO Max had nearly 40 million subscribers, although that metric includes those who can access the service through a promotion or HBO cable subscription; the number of “activated” subscriptions was around 17.2 million. The streamer’s international rollout begins in Latin America in June.

Friday, April 2, 2021

OUTtv Expands To The United States With A Bold New Look And A Slate Of Fresh Programming

OUTtv Media Group (OMG) is partnering with Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), to launch OUTtv USA, an SVOD service dedicated to premium LGBTQ+ content. OUTtv marks the first LGBTQ+ Apple TV channel and is now available on the Apple TV app.

OUTtv debuts today and is available for a seven-day trial on the Apple TV app. Subscriptions will be $2.99 per month. OUTtv is expected to launch across other marquee SVOD platforms later this year.

“We are delighted to deepen and evolve our relationship with PEG further by bringing OUTtv to America”, said Brad Danks, CEO, OUTtv Media Group. The real potential and impact will come from the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ content that we will develop, produce and distribute together.”

“Demand for premium, authentic queer content is at an all time high, said Jacob Slane, Partner, Producer Entertainment Group. “We’re proud to join OMG to bring their long standing history of serving the LGBTQ+ community with programming that’s both entertaining and inspiring to the U.S. market. Our door is now open to creatives with diverse, high-quality concepts and leading-edge talent. We look forward to bringing the next wave of inclusive content to our viewers.”

Jacob Slane will serve as senior domestic executive overseeing the venture from Producer Entertainment Group’s headquarters in Burbank, CA. At launch, the library includes over 75 titles and 2,000 hours of content. Additional original series and library titles will be announced in the coming months.

Check out OUTtv USA’s programming slate below — which includes a lot of familiar faces from the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe.

From Katya with Love – The eight-episode unscripted dating series follows everyone’s favorite bi-sexual Russian drag hooker, Katya, as she looks for love among a diverse group of singles.

The Sherry Vine Show – Drag legend Sherry Vine fronts a modern, gay sketch comedy series that only her twisted mind could produce. One part Carol Burnett and the other John Waters, The Sherry Vine Show will include six 30-minute episodes and feature guest stars Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Candis Cayne, Jackie Beat, Varla Jean Merman, Nadya Ginsburg and Mario Diaz.

Translation – The first talk show on a major network hosted by an all-trans cast, the series is fronted by Peppermint, Carmen Carrera, Jiggly Caliente and Sonique. Join these powerful women as they speak truth on topics of love, sex, dating and more. Season One is currently available on OUTtv Canada and Amazon Prime in the US. Season two will be available exclusively on OUTtv USA.

Nubia – A supergroup of drag entertainers including BeBe Zahara Benet, Bob the Drag Queen, Monique Heart, Peppermint and Shea Coulee, Nubia was formed to amplify and uplift Black drag voices. After a sold-out run of live shows in New York last year, the group released a one-hour standalone TV special as a partial response to and exploration of percolating race issues in America. OUTtv has committed to funding a live concert special and additional talk specials to come.

The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special – Star of stage and screen Alaska Thunderf**k is proud to present The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special. Featuring some of Alaska’s greatest musical hits, exciting special guests, and a series of comedic jokes, join Alaska for a one-night-only engagement filmed in pre-pandemic Hollywood, California. But in a rapidly changing world, does the comedy go too far? Are the jokes too risqué? Is the glamour too glamourous? Premiere date is April 15.

Cam Boy – The new scripted series, which includes eight 30-minute episodes is created by award-winning writer and director Thom Fitzgerald (Sex and Violence, The Hanging Garden, Forgive Me). When Ashton finds himself left to his own devices with bills to pay while his boyfriend is in New York, he turns to camming to make ends meet.

Boy Boy Montreal – Boy Boy Montreal documents a contemporary portrait of gay pornography in Montreal, sharing insight into the industry through international actors, cult filmmakers and other specialists. The series includes ten 30-minute episodes.

Additionally, OUTtv has set a first-look development deal with Drag Race season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen’s production company, Purse First Productions. As part of the deal, OUTtv will be producing a second season of his scripted digital series Besties.

Read Also:
- Europe's Cartoonito comes to the United States
- WarnerMedia EMEA on Cartoonito
- 80 projects in development on Disney+, some might have aired already
- Update on the 4 pop-up channels on DStv
- R.I.P. FOX, long live Star, will other markets follow?
- Utsav branding takes affect on Vijay TV, will StarPlus and Star Life follow in Africa
- Will Paramount+ lead to the shutdown of several linear channels?
- Several titles coming to Discovery+

SABC 3 Rebrands With A Large Slate Of New Shows To Better Accomodate Mobile Users

The premiere blitz comes in the wake of the channel's official relaunch, which was marked at an event in Joziburg on Wednesday night (31 March).

The channel's new logo was revealed, along with the news that the channel's changing its name. It will now be known as S3:

To put you in the picture we've compiled a blow-by blow of what to expect from the new line-up, with a complete list of new and returning titles.

All the details on each show will be featured in TVSA's daily New Shows and Seasons section so keep your peepers peeled to it.

As you know, the SABC is notorious for making last minute schedule changes so what follows may change. We'll do our best to keep you posted.

Grab your popcorn and tuck in...

WEEKNIGHT MENU

Novelaville from 18h30 to 19h30

At the centre of the revamp is the new nightly local telenovela The Estate, which you know all about because you've seen it right here.

Two international telenovelas serve as lead-ins for it at 18h30: Orphans of a Nation (Mondays to Wednesdays) and The Red Room (Thursdays and Fridays).

Whodunnit at 19h30

The ITV crime drama The Bay also airs weeknights, serving as a lead out for The Estate.

It follows Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie), who is called in to investigate when teenage twins go missing in a seaside bay on the West Coast of England.

And now for The News

The first news airs from 18h00 to 18h30 and the second from 20h00 to 20h30.

Yoh's and Hahas for 30-mins

Actuality, current affairs and comedy air at 20h30, with actuality at the start of the week (Unfiltered and Special Assignment) and comedy later ( On the Brink, Sunnyside and Happy Ever After).

International medley at 21h00

This timeslot features:

- reality on Mondays with Survivor 36,

- the critically acclaimed dramas The Night Manager and Mrs America on Tuesdays and Thursdays,

- the HBO documentary Being Serena (about Serena Williams) on Thursdays and,

- the Hulu comedy Woke on Fridays.

NOTABLE SCHEDULE CHANGES

Trending SA moves from 18h00 to 17h00 from Monday 5 April. It continues to air daily.

Afternoon Express moves from 17h00 to 17h30 and will only air two days a week instead of five, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first Tuesday episode airs on 6 April.

It's replaced by:

The Insider SA: Mondays at 17h30,
Pure Action: Wednesdays at 17h30,
Wife Swap USA: Fridays at 17h30.

PS: Expresso retains its timeslot, Mondays to Fridays from 06h00 to 09h00.

NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS

South African dance champ Oti Mabuse, one of the judges on Simon Cowell's
dance talent competition The Greatest Dancer.

The 20 premieres are:

Africa with Ade Adepitan
Premiere date: Sunday 4 April at 19h30

The Mel Robbins Show
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 15h00
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 15h00

Orphans of a Nation
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 18h30
New episodes air Mondays to Wednesdays at 18h30
The omnibus airs on Sunday from 09h00 to 10h30.

The Estate
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 19h00
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 19h00
The omnibus airs on Saturdays from 10h30 to 12h30

The Estate (local drama) - April 2021

Survivor 36: Ghost Island (Boo)
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 21h00

Pre-Sure
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 22h00

The Bay
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 19h30
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 19h30
The omnibus airs on Sundays at 11h30

The Night Manager
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 21h00

Eating with My Ex
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 22h00
New episodes air in double bills weekly

Science of Stupid
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 18h00

On the Brink
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 20h30

Being Serena
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 21h00

The Red Room
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 18h30
New episodes air Thursdays and Fridays.
The omnibus airs on Sundays from 10h30 to 11h30

Sunnyside
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 20h30

Mrs America
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 21h00

Celebrity Wife Swap 4
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 17h30

Happy Ever After
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 20h30

Woke
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 21h00

Laugh in Your Language
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 21h30
New episodes air in double bills weekly

The Greatest Dancer 2
Premiere date: Saturday 10 April at 18h30

Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja
(Talk show with Relebogile)
Premiere date to be confirmed

Updated (19/06): Will Timeless Dizi Channel Return To MultiChoice's DStv?

Timeless Dizi Channel made its debut on StarTimes (Starsat) in May 2020 and ran until the end of August at least that's what they made the media believe till while MultiChoice launched a pop-up feed of the channel later that year.

During that time, the channel managed to gain much traction with the likes of Karadayi, Black Money Love, Wings Of Love and Red Scarf.

Despite the outcome none of that managed to change it's fate on DStv while others recieved extensions it got culled exactly on its expiration date being March 31st.

What's strange about this development is that the Dizi Channel on StarTimes was kind of discontinued as well or at the Turkish feed.

MultiChoice had the English feed airing repeats from StarTimes Turkish feed so what could have happened was that they wanted to make it a permanent channel but the problem was that they weren't carrying the main feed which led to its dramatic removal even though they're being hush-hush there's signs.

Last year, MultiChoice unveiled another channel TLNovelas which can also be found on StarTimes. What's strange about this is both platforms carry the exact same channel with the exact same shows at the exact same time meaning viewers on DStv missed out on programs so why couldn't they do the same with Dizi.

It couldn't be the language as MultiChoice had no problem rolling out tvN with English subtitles so maybe the problem here was the service provider being StarTimes.

SPI International could have signed an exclusive agreement with StarTimes last year for Dizi and it was annulled before it's termination on DStv which could explain why the channel pointed the finger to them when asked why couldn't they keep it.

Perhaps them RESTARTING the channel on StarTimes was their way of saying they're tired of ordering the same meal in three different restaurants when they can order at one restaurant so MultiChoice was probably doing everyone a favour.

Maybe, they didn't want to bore viewers with repeats that are currently airing on StarTimes. By August or September, the channel would already start airing fresh content so it wouldn't be shocking if Dizi suddenly reappeared on DStv around that period.

In MultiChoice financial statements for the end of March. Dizi is currently listed alongside TLNovelas and tvN it might imply that MAYBE it isn't the end for Dizi on DStv.

7 Days A Week Is UPPED On Telemundo Africa, Is A Rebrand Underway?

In April, Telemundo has two upcoming attractions for their channel the first being the juicy and controversial court drama, Case Closed starring Ana María Polo alongside the second season of Queen Of The South with Kate Del Castillo reprising her role as the Mexican goddess Teresa Mendoza.

Not only that 7 days a week will be at least 10 hours long starting 5 April from 15:20 CAT meaning these two upcoming attractions alongside Husband For Hire and Broken Angel will join Laws Of The Heart and Woman Of Steel will now air new episodes everyday.

El Baron and Close Enemies were the first to inherent this new style and hasn't stopped since then.

It seems they've found ways to take viewer's minds off the repeats with their back-to-back offering. In 2020, you had The Way To Paradise now it's Laws Of The Heart.

This format seems to be the beginning of something bigger. Look at Zee World for instance in 1 year they managed to air over 8 new series.

This could take viewer's mind off the loss of EVA and EVA+ perhaps my theory could become a reality maybe Telemundo will take responsibility for the those channels and offer more content from the markets EVA targeted even go as far as offering content with Portuguese audio which is what the U.S. counterpart has done with the introduction of Turkish dramas.

Friday, March 26, 2021

April 2021 On WarnerMedia Africa | New Movie Alert!: Daisy Quokka | New Series Alert: Monster Beach | Easter Specials | More

Please note that there's no info available for this month on Boomerang

TNT:

AND THE WINNER IS …
With 93 years in the bag, it isn’t hard to see why the Academy Awards, or the Oscars as the world has become to afectionately refer to them, are in a class of their own. This month, TNT celebrates these highly coveted awards in cinema history with a line-up of prestigious movies that have won at least one of these iconic statuettes. This month, the channel will dedicate each Sunday to remind you of the calibre of actors and actresses who have cracked a nomination or award at the Oscars. Starting with none other than Gladiator, with heartthrob Russell Crowe in the lead to Shrek, with its all-star cast starring Mike Myers as the uncouth ogre with a big heart. Don’t miss out on these, and many more award-winning titles on TNT this April!

Sunday, 11 April
16:35 – Shrek (2001)
18:05 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
20:00 – Back to the Future (1985)
21:55 – The Golden Compass (2007)

Sunday, 18 April
15:55 – Superman (1977)
18:15 – Big Hero 6 (2014)
20:00 – Death Becomes Her (1992)
21:45 – The Color of Money (1986)

Sunday, 25 April
15:20 – Pearl Harbor (2001)
18:20 – Wall-E (2008)
20:00 – Gladiator (2000)
22:35 – Dead Poets Society (1989)

FUN WITH THE FAM
Family: Whether it’s a bond created by blood, or friendship, nothing quite feels like being home and this Easter, TNT makes sure you get closer to your chosen few with some tender, sweet and funny movies. On the 1st of April, TNT brings you the exclusive premiere, Daisy Quokka. In this animated TNT Original Movie, an unbearably adorable Quokka, named Daisy (Angourie Rice), wants to achieve the impossible and enlists the guidance of a washed-up, grouchy Saltwater Crocodile (Sam Neill) to help her win the annual ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship. Other titles for the month include Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, Race to Witch Mountain starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler, and South Africa’s very own Charlize Theron taking the lead in Mighty Joe Young.

Thursday, 1 April
20:00 – Daisy Quokka (2021)
EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL PREMIERE

Saturday, 3 April
15:15 – Dreamer (2005)
17:00 – George of the Jungle (1997)
18:30 – Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
20:00 – The Waterboy (1998)

Sunday, 4 April
14:45 – Joe versus the Volcano (1990)
16:30 – Police Academy (1984)
18:05 – Mighty Joe Young (1998)
20:00 – Twins (1988)

Monday, 5 April
15:10 – What about Bob? (1991)
16:50 – Catch That Kid (2004)
18:20 – Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
20:00 – Life (1999) CHANNEL PREMIERE

WILD, WILD WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays are about to get really, really wild, and you can bet TNT will have its way in giving you a massive dose of things to keep the hairs on the back of your neck standing up! With April’s list of crazy action movies chosen for a combination of bloodthirsty animals, prehistoric mammals, and creepy monsters from distant planets, one will only be left trembling in your seat! The weekly premiere kicks of with titles such as the horror, Jeepers Creepers, the thriller Swamp Shark, the sci-f Tasmanian Devils and the terrorising Lake Placid Legacy. Tune in to TNT for these wild, wild Wednesdays this April at 20:00!

Wednesday, 7 April
20:00 – Jeepers Creepers (2001)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 14 April
20:00 – Swamp Shark (2011) CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 21 April
20:00 – Tasmanian Devils (2012)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 28 April
20:00 – Lake Placid: Legacy (2018) CHANNEL PREMIERE

CARTOON NETWORK:

MONSTER BEACH
BRAND-NEW SHOW
Surf, Sun And Frightfully Fun Monsters!

Surf’s up with Cartoon Network’s brand-new series, Monster Beach. This brand-new Cartoon Network original, launching in Africa as one of the frst territories to début the show, follows the comedic adventures of inseparable siblings Jan and Dean when they stay with their uncle Woody for the summer holidays. On their surfng trip, the two fnd out that things aren’t quite what they seem when it turns out there are frightfully fun monsters trolling the island of Iki-Iki. Together with their new fendish friends, they cruise around in hopped- up hot-rods to unravel the mysteries of a local surf legend and prevent the bad guys from ruining their fun. Monster Beach is much more fun than your typical tropical getaway that will capture Cartoon Network’s 6-12-year-old audience with the themes of friendship, fun and sibling bonds!

Premiere: Monday, 12/04/2021
Tune-In: Monday To Friday @ 17:15 CAT

TEEN TITANS GO!
TEEN TITANS GO! GO BIG!
Cartoon Network is unwrapping an extraordinary Teen Titans Go! holiday package this month!

Kicking of with special episodes every morning of the Easter weekend, the Titans do some globetrotting of their own, starting with a mission to fnd the elusive Carl Sanpedro in the brand-new Where Exactly on the Globe is Carl Sanpedro special. From the 10th, you get to tune in to this season’s new episodes, where it’s all in a day’s work for the Titans. And then to wrap the month up, the Teens travel to Tokyo in the Teen Titans: Trouble in Japan movie and then the two Titans teams take each other on in Teen Titans Go! VS Teen Titans! The adventure never ends where the Teen Titans go!

Premiere: Saturday, 10/04/2021
Tune In: Weekends @ 08:55 CAT
Easter Weekend Specials: Friday To Monday
Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo 26/04 @ 08:30 CAT and 11H00 CAT
Teen Titans GO! Vs Teen Titans 27/04 @ 08:30 CAT

APPLE AND ONION
Like Peas In A Pod…

If you thought Apple and Onion have gone a bit stale, think again! Ever so fresh and full of the zest for life, the anthropomorphic food crew is back this April in brand-new episodes. Get ready to see this unlikely pair of bosom buddies in some pretty crazy situations: an interesting encounter on a yacht with their rapper friend, Lil Noodle; holding on for dear life over an active volcano; and in a jungle somewhere hanging with zebras. Rest assured, wherever they go, they go together - so, make sure you also stick closely to them by tuning in to Cartoon Network!

Tune In: Monday To Friday @ 18:25 CAT
Monday, 26/04/2021

WarnerMedia EMEA On The Rebranded Version Of Cartoonito: "We Are Looking Forward To An Even Bigger And Broader Range Of Incredible Content"

Not long ago, their U.S. counterpart had an interview followed by an upfront where they unveiled an expanded kids lineup which included families and girls with Cartoonito handling preschool.

Cartoonito was available in Europe, Middle East and Africa back in 2011 and ran for four years on Boomerang. After it was discontinued, the content remained on Boomerang for the time being.

It makes perfect sense for them to take an existing brand since other countries have it in a form of a programming block and a linear channel so they can just expand from that.

HBO Max (their streaming service)is included in this project which increases it's success rate. Perhaps streaming is another reason, WarnerMedia wants to create content for the whole family and they don't have a stable archive for preschoolers - that answers the 50 preschool series in 2 years goal. Older kids have plenty of content to binge on as opposed to preschoolers.

Getting back to other markets, Cartoonito returned to the Middle East and North African region not only that it was also launched in Turkey but why hasn't it returned to EMEA as yet that's simple, Boomerang.

After the channel's rebrand in 2018, there's been more preschool content added to the channel and less family. The last family based show is Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?

Last year, I did approach someone at WarnerMedia about Boomerang's introduction to the preschool market and they basically told me that it's pretty much a preschool channel at this point.

So if you look at it Cartoonito has more of an affect on Boomerang than it does with Cartoon Network. Boomerang's upcoming shows such as Lucas The Spider and Mush Mush And The Mushables are also confirmed shows for Cartoonito.

You have to wonder how WarnerMedia plans to keep Cartoonito afloat without affecting Boomerang. I can see some markets use Boomerang for reruns again while others which is likely EMEA replace it.

WarnerMedia International has other kids brands which dwell on repeats like Boing and Toonami perhaps those could be swapped for Boomerang.

From the longest I've followed Cartoon Network and Boomerang, they've never clashed with each other when it comes to entertainment and viewership.

After WarnerMedia USA announcement I emailed the EMEA office over the possibility of relaunching Cartoonito and whether it will replace a brand like Boomerang and this was their response:

We are truly excited about our expanded Kids and Family vision and the move into pre-school, girls and family content announced by our WarnerMedia colleagues in the US. In particular, we are looking forward to an even bigger and broader range of incredible content with which to inspire and delight kids and families across our EMEA channels and brands. We look forward to sharing more details further ahead – Vanessa Brookman, Head of Kids, WarnerMedia EMEA.

It seems there's more to be announced by them

April 2021 On Zee World | Season Finale: Zara's Nikah | New Season: Begusarai | Weekend Movies And Programming | Continuing Shows

Ring of Fire
Everyday @ 18h00 & 19h00
This month on Ring of Fire, Vikral Singh is marrying his daughter off. Anurag plans to kidnap the groom, with the help of his brother in-law they send the guards off to a deep sleep. The moment of truth has arrived and Ragani has some doubts. Baiju and Shirti gets into an accident. It is Rushi's baby ceremony and Shriti rubs the women up the wrong way. Ragini's fathers fear might have come to pass. Ragini is back home and her and Anurag are surprised at the many changes at the house. Shriti received an anonymous threatening message. Baiju gets punished by the police due to accusation of money theft in the Singh household. Dulari has some shocking news. The Singh family transfers a portion of the property shares to Baiju. Shriti pulls a fast one Baiju and his wicked mother. Ragini has disappeared and no one knows where she is. Baiju tries to force himself on Shriti. Anurag goes the extra mile to find out what Ragini is hiding. The doctor has news about Ragini and Anurag is slow to catch on. Shriti is dressed up and prepared to be auctioned off. Mr Nawab makes the highest bid for the damsel in distress. Baiju proves his trust to Shriti with the property deeds. Ragini tries to speak to Anurag about his mother. Shriti has a tattoo that makes Dulari curious. Baiju arranges a trip to Mumbai to have the tatoo removed with a laser treatment but could this be one of his cheap tricks again? Ragini overhears some disturbing news about his father, and she is quick to think on her feet. Anurag suggests his father-in-law comes and stay with them for his safety. Vishu comes back and of course the news is just overwhelming on everyone. Ragini sees the pain in Baiju's eyes and offers her comfort. Baiju has a self-introspection about his feelings for Shriti and what step he should take next. Report says Shriti is pregnant, and it breaks Baiju, he dumps Shriti and leaves the house. Vishu has set a date with Shriti which leave Ragini suspicious, she tries everything to stop Shriti from going but once again Vishu's plan succeeds. A doctor that could help Vikrant is reported dead, but Ragini thinks there is more to his death than what the reporters know. Vishu kills yet again and take the body inside the house to make it look like Baiju is behind the killing. Vishu kidnapps Ragini and her father.

Zarah’s Nikah (Ends 9th April)
Everyday @ 20h00
This month on Zarah’s Nikah, It is a year later, Zara and Kabeer are living in different cities. What happened to Zara and Kabeer's love story?

Jodha & Akbar (Starts 12th April)
This is the story of princess Jodha, a Muslim Princess, who is forcefully married to a hard-hearted king Akbar a Hindi King who conquered her father’s kingdom. She reluctantly goes to his palace only to find that she is one of many wives. She faces opposition from the word go and discovers that she will have to fight for her husband’s affection. Her intent shifts from hatred towards the king, to trying to soften him and change him from being a vicious ruler to a compassionate one.
Jodha, the fondled daughter of Bharmal, is kind at heart. Jalal under the guidance of Bairam Khan, Jodha goes to temple on her birthday. Moghul army attacks the temple to rob it. Suryabhan sends a marriage proposal for Jodha. Jalal enters the Amer's festival in a disguise,during the celebration Jodha sees Jalal and can't forget his face. Suryabhan refuse to marry Jodha. Jalal comes to meet Ruqaiya, his friend cum special wife, the head queen. Maham Anga tries to create rift between Jalal,Ruqaiya and Bairam. Mainavati tells Jodha about her future prediction and her concern. Maham Anga assures Adham, her son, to get the minister's position. A rift created between Bairam Khan and Jalal. Bairam Khan leaves for pilgrimage as Jalal declares him rebellious. Jodha's mararige preparations are on. Maham Anga successfully makes some moves to get the minister's position. Bairam Khan gets killed, as per Maham Anga and Adham's plan. Shariffudin and Sujamal attack Amer. Suryabhan comes to help Amer's king. Suryabhan gets killed while Jodha's brothers became captive. Jodha accepts to get married for the safety of Amer. Jodha is stunned to know Jalal as her husband to be. Maham Anga comes with a bridal dress for Jodha and she sets it to fire, Maham Anga leaves in rage.

Twist of Fate
Everyday @ 21h00
This month on Twist of Fate, Disha’s car breaks down, and she ends up taking a lift from Purab. Aliya sees them together and follows them. Disha regrets her words to Aliya. She feels lonely and meets up with Pragya for emotional support. She pours her heart out in front of Pragya and questions her how to get over the pain. Pragya, in turn, asks Disha about what transpired between her and Purab that led to their breakup. Rhea still wants Ranbir to make Prachi fall in love with him, but he blows it every chance he gets. Aliya calls Mehra and has a mouthful to say to her. Goons plan a drug smuggling attempt during the festival, but the police are on guard. For the first time Rhea stands up for Prachi but little does she know that she will meet the same man later.Rhea sees the goons entering the storeroom and locks them in there. Unbeknown to Rhea, the goons escape through the window. Disha comes to Mehra house with the CM. Aliya sees Disha and Purab together and gets upset. She decides to do something to keep Disha away from Purab. Mira escapes captivity and hides in her room. Purab finds Priyanka, a family friend’s granddaughter at the office and learns she has joined the company as an intern. Priyanka turns out to be a friend of Rishi.

Love…. Look What You Made Me Do
Everyday @ 22h00
Love is an intriguing and strange feeling. When cupid strikes, it brings with it the feeling of happiness, pain, envy, greed, lust and sin. We have all loved and lost, we have all been hurt, we have all moved on... There are some however, who do not believe in moving on, there are some who do not give up, there are some who will do anything for love... Our new show, Love…look what you made me do, deals with love and just how crazy things can get when a relationship doesn’t work out. Watch this intriguing new show and discover true stories of love, happy endings and just how quickly we can switch from loving to hating the same person.

Weekend Programming
Begusarai (Starts 10th April)
This is a drama series set in the district of Begusarai. It is the land of Phulan and his family, a land where bullets speak louder than words. Power, wealth, and respect are earned through bloodshed and gunfights in this town. Phulan has five grown sons that are being groomed to rule Begusarai in unity. Their weakness, the love of women, comes in between them to tear them apart. When they face troubling times, Phulan aims to unite the family to ensure peace prevails across the land. A beautiful and renowned dancer, Bhindiya, has evil intentions towards Phulan’s family and aims to manipulate her way into the trust of the close-knit family so she can divide and rule. Her goal is to take over the reins from the family and become the newest ruler of Begusarai herself. But this is not a simple task.
Priyom convinces Lakhan to allow Poonam to attend college. The younger brother, Rajkumar requests for a well-renowned dancer named Bindiya, perform at his birthday bash. Poonam feels college will allow her to have her own identity, but her first day may prove to do just the opposite. Bindiya wakes up to her captives offering her quite the proposition which she plans to take full advantage of. Bindiya has caused quite the stir with the Thakur family and its Priyom who feels he will steal her heart. Things get complicated for Poonam when more of the Thakur family starts to show up at her college.It’s Rajkumars birthday celebration, but what occurs during the evening is nothing to celebrate about. Phulan makes a decision that does not sit well with his family. Lakhan does something that catches Poonam off guard, and she feels the need to speak with Priyom about it, without knowing what Priyom had done. Rekha plans to have Lakhan, and Poonam married one month from now. Sayra Bano tells Bindiya to leave Begusarai, after experiencing the comforts of the Thakur family, will Bindiya really give it all up and leave? The time for Phulan to choose an heir has come, who will it be? Rekha and Lakhan work out a plan to take over Begusarai. Lakhan and Mithilesh have declared war against each other and according to Sayra Bano, only the future leader of Begusarai can stop the war. Bindiya joins forces with Chuna Yadav. Can the two of them take down the Thakurs?

It’s Complicated (Starts 10th April)
Jesse is a young bride who stays with her in laws while her husband Noranda is away on work. It has been 2 years of them being apart and Jesse and her brother-in-law, Verander, have spent a lot of time together. Noranda is pressurising Verander to get married to a young girl he does not know, and even though his not ready, he agrees to the arranged marriage. Jesse is almost found in a very compromising situation with Verander by her mother inlaw. Jesse finds out she’s pregnant and start panicking. Jesse and Verander make a difficult decision that leaves them disappointed. While Jesse is really depressed, Verander is acting like everything is ok. Noranda could be coming back to his family.

WEEKEND MOVIES
Dabangg 3
ASP Chulbul Pandey encounters a foe from his past after he arrests a pimp, Chinti Walia. However, he must face his demons and defeat his enemy before it is too late.
Actors: Salman Khan
Year: 2019

Satyameva Jayate
DCP Shivansh has been tasked to catch Vir, the man behind police killings in the city. Both are eventually against the same enemy but divided by a fine line, the law.
Actors: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Year: 2018

Good Newwz
Two married couples are unsuccessful in conceiving and seek medical treatment. However, they land in a complicated situation after a blunder on their doctor's part.
Actors: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor

Commando 3
The commando, Karanveer Singh Dogra, is approached to chase and catch an Indian criminal gang, who pose a threat to India itself.
Actors: Vidhyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma
Director:
Year: 2019

Zero
Bauua, a person of short stature, falls in love with Aafia, a scientist suffering from cerebral palsy, but soon breaks up with her. Later, what he learns of Aafia changes his life forever.
Actors: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma
Director:
Year: 2018

Simmba
A corrupt police officer works for Durva, an influential smuggler. However, his life takes an unusual turn when he decides to avenge a woman who was assaulted by Durva's brothers.
Actors: Ranveer Singh
Director:
Year: 2019

Zee World is on DStv and GOtv

April 2021 On Disney Africa | Miraculous Special | Continuing Episodes

DISNEY CHANNEL:
SYDNEY TO THE MAX
Season premiere episodes
Monday to Thursday from 19th April at 17:50

Sydney’s back! The girl who lives life to the max returns to the channel this month, with season two of her adventures in Sydney to the Max. Premiere episodes air from Monday to Thursday, starting on 19th April, at 17:50.

Set in the present day with flashbacks to the '90s, in this series life revolves around outgoing teenager Sydney Reynolds who lives with her single dad, Max, and her progressive grandma, Judy. In the season two premiere episode, How The Syd Stole Christmas, (Monday 19th April at 17:50), with the help of her late mum's memory and advice, Sydney rediscovers her love of Christmas for the first time since her mother passed away.

Premiere episodes of Sydney to the Max season two air from Monday to Thursday, starting on 19th April, at 17:50 on Disney Channel.

DISNEY CHANNEL FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES
Programming event
Fridays throughout April at 17:00

Disney Channel’s Friday treat for film fans continues throughout April with great entertainment to celebrate the start of each weekend. There’s a marvellous movie every Friday at 17:00, repeated on Saturday at 10:40.

The fun starts with Miraculous New York: United Heroez on Friday 2nd April, followed by Teen Beach 2 (Friday 9thApril), Geek Charming (Friday 16th April), Invisible Sister (Friday 23rd April) and Wizards of Waverly Place – the Movie (Friday 30th April), all at 17:00.

In fun-filled musical sequel Teen Beach 2 (Friday 9th April at 17:00) months after they return from their 1960s beach movie adventure, Mack and Brady receive a surprise real-world visit from Lela, Tanner and their other Wet Side Story friends.

Viewers can see these great Disney movies on Fridays throughout April 2021 at 17:00, repeated on the following Saturday at 10:40, on Disney Channel.

MIRACULOUS NEW YORK: UNITED HEROEZ
Premiere special
Friday 2nd April at 17:00

It’s Easter! Here at Disney Channel we have an eggs-citing Easter treat in store for viewers - the premiere of a movie-length special featuring the heroes of Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Entitled Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, it airs on Good Friday, 2nd April at 17:00.

In Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, Marinette’s class is headed to New York, the city of superheroes, for French-American Friendship Week. The whole class is there...except Adrien, whose father refuses to let him go!

Premiere special Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez, airs on Friday 2nd April at 17:00.

DISNEY JUNIOR:
THE ROCKETEER
Premiere episodes
Weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00
The Rocketeer blasts back onto our screens this month, with premiere episodes on weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00.
Seven-year-old aspiring pilot, Kit Secord, learns she’s next in line to become The Rocketeer, a rocket-pack wearing superhero who can fly. In the first of these premiere episodes, Underground Doodlebug/Bruce Goose (Monday 5th April at 14:00) The Rocketeer goes underground to track down a mischievous kid inventor. Then, when a baby goose bonds with Butch, the Rocketeer teaches it to fly and reunites it with its family!
Premiere episodes of The Rocketeer air on weekdays from Monday 5th to Wednesday 14th April at 14:00, on Disney Junior.

T.O.T.S.
Season premiere episodes
Weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 09:30
Pip and Freddy, those intrepid Junior Flyers for T.O.T.S. (the Tiny Ones Transport Service), return in April with season two of their adventures. Premiere episodes air on weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 09:30.
Pip the Penguin and Freddy the Flamingo are the only non-stork delivery birds, and are back at T.O.T.S. HQ to deliver the cutest, cuddliest babies to their forever families. In the first of this month’s premiere episodes, Puppy Problems (Monday 19th April at 09:30) Pip and Freddy deliver a puppy who seems like a perfect angel, but turns out to be a mischievous rascal.

T.O.T.S. fans will be pleased to hear April also sees new episodes of our series of shorts featuring the Junior Flyers. Premiere episodes of Calling All T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 30th April at 15:55.

Pip and Freddy love nothing more than delivering cute baby animals to their forever families – but what happens after they deliver them? In these shorts they call some of their favourite babies to see how they’ve been and sing a special song just for them! In the first of this month’s premiere episodes entitled Mia the Kitten (Monday 19th April at 15:55) the Rock-A-Tot-Tots sing a song for Mia about how much they love that she always lends a helping paw.

Premiere episodes of T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th April at 09:30. Premiere episodes of Calling All T.O.T.S. air on weekdays from Monday 19th to April at 15:55.

ELENA OF AVALOR
Premiere episodes
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April at 08:30
In March season three of Elena of Avalor returned to Disney Junior. Premiere episodes continue into April with two further episodes on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April at 08:30.

Elena’s epic journey continues as she strives to protect her kingdom from a family of wicked wizards while learning how to control her new magic powers.

In Good Friday’s appropriately themed premiere episode, entitled Sugar Rush (Friday 2nd April at 08:30), when Elena is having trouble making time for family, Luisa convinces her to reopen the family chocolate shop.

Premiere episodes of Elena of Avalor season three air on weekdays from Monday 22nd March to Friday 2nd April at 08:30 on Disney Junior.

(Updated 25 June)Status: SABC Education On DStv And Starsat

SABC Education launched in May 2020 through YouTube and DTT decoders with digital streaming version accessible through the SABC Education portal and virtual academy.

At the time, SABC stated that more platforms will hopefully add the channel later. Through an interview they mentioned that they were in talks with the likes of MultiChoice and StarTimes in the hopes that they can open up space for the channel and that was a year ago.

Within that same year, SABC Education expanded to only 1 additional platform which is none other than Telkom's streaming service, TelkomOne while SABC Education appeared for several months on DStv's i-Plate section and StarSat's website.

From 2021, DStv scrubbed the channel's EPG from that area viewers only noticed it the channel's presence once MultiChoice had some system upgrades while Starsat removed all info about the channel through their website.

Through the info obtained from Starsat's website the channel would have occupied channel 313 on their Max, Special and Super package with DStv the suspected occupation was channel 316 (since it was the only available space last year) to all their DStv customers (including Easyview).

Through an enquiry regarding the channel's status on DStv and StarSat, it was stated that plans for their rollout are "still underway".

It's been over a year and they're still planning to launch them. Could it be possible that there's more to this deal that meets the eye I mean Telkom partnered up with SABC giving them SABC 1-3, Sports, Education and their 19 radio stations which can be found on DStv.

Updated section

In March 2021, SABC formed a partnership with eMedia Investments giving OpenView customers access to their sports channel and 19 radio stations alongside "two general entertainment channels".

Could these two entertainment channels be the reason for the delay. In an interview SABC COO mentioned that these two channels coming to OpenView are non-exclusive meaning they'll be transmitting them on other platforms as well.

Not much details have been unveiled about these two channels except for them supplying extensive and archived content with the goal of having 20% fresh content.

With that in mind, is it possible that SABC Education's fate lies on these one or two channels and that as long as SABC and eMedia Investments remain silent that viewers on DStv and StarSat should keep waiting. OpenView currently has the SD versions of SABC 1-3 could these channels switch to HD once these channels arrive.

4 years ago, e.tv launched their 4 channels (altogether) at the time on DStv. Could SABC be trying to do the same with SABC Sport, SABC Education and these two entertainment channels?

SABC And eMedia Investments Expand Partnership, Will MultiChoice And StarTimes Follow?

eMedia Investments, owners of free-to-air satellite service Openview, and the SABC have reached a business agreement that sees Openview continue to broadcast high-definition channels SABC 1, 2 and 3, as well as 3 additional television channels from the public broadcaster, as well as all 19 radio stations owned by the SABC.

The business agreement means that the SABC is officially entering the free-to-air satellite market, with SABC Sports Channel the first of the 3 additional SABC channels bring added to the Openview service.

SABC radio brands Ukhozi FM, Metro FM, Lesedi and Umhlobo Wenene are among the radio stations now also available on Openview, transmitted via digital broadcasting on a free-to-air basis.

Commenting on the new multi-year signal distribution and channel carriage agreement, eMedia Investments COO, Antonio Lee, says, "This is an exciting development for both the SABC and ourselves. The agreement ushers in a new level of collaboration between a private free-to-air satellite platform and public free-to-air broadcast services. There is no doubt it will boost the offering of Openview and will extend the SABC’s audience reach. We can now offer our Openview audience additional quality content and access to digital broadcast radio in the widest variety of languages possible in South Africa. We hope this is the start of a stronger and more fruitful relationship between Openview and the SABC".

SABC’s COO, Ian Plaatjes, adds, “This agreement enables the SABC to grow its channel offering and reach into the digital broadcasting space with three additional HD television channels. The first channel to be launched will be an SABC Sport Channel and will be distributed simultaneously across Openview, DTT, Telkom One and other streaming platforms. This collaboration will enable the SABC to optimally exploit its rich sport content rights and leverage the Openview reach to provide an improved integrated sport value proposition for our advertising clients across platforms. The agreement also enhances the distribution of SABC radio stations to create an increased value proposition for our radio advertising inventory. The other two TV channels, to be announced within the next 3 months, will leverage extensive SABC content and archived material.”

"The other two TV channels" "leverage extensive content and archived material" - SABC Education being the first with the other possibly being SABC Encore maybe it will launch under another new name perhaps or with an updated look. It would be shocking if it was SABC News.

Openview and the SABC believe that this agreement will expedite digital migration from analogue-only households to digital broadcasting platforms with more compelling free-to-air channels and content. Together with the DTT platform, Openview provides audiences with a free HD alternative to both analogue terrestrial and pay satellite options.

According to a source, this development was in talks with pay-tv platforms as well. SABC Education has been showing signs of launching and my guess was May which is the same time the channel launched.

Not long ago, even eMedia Investments entire set of channels were rumoured to be added onto DStv so far only 4 reside on that platform.